Presentation Topic 1: Deadly Arts Business in Victoria (Elisabeth Jones & Esmai Manahan)

Presentation Topic 2: Govt funding bodies - state (Elisabeth Jones)

ABSTRACT:

Investigation of Aboriginal arts product around Australia reveals an imbalance between the presentation of traditional, desert-based culture versus that of the urban, contemporary lifestyle and culture of the Aborigines. Arts Victoria and the Koori Business Network are keen to promote the range and depth of contemporary indigenous arts product and provide self-determination opportunities for indigenous artists through training, information dissemination, skills transferal and professional development. It has become evident that the Aboriginal arts industry in Victoria is diverse but under-developed. While there are a number of successful professionals working in the sector, many artists throughout the state lack the resources and networks to produce, price, package, promote and distribute consistent quantities of their work. Due to a number of reasons including the very high rate of dislocation of Aboriginal children and their families, the practice of traditional Victorian artforms has been curtailed and needs to be revived. This needs to be achieved in conjunction with nurturing a new, contemporary synthesis of artforms which reflect the vision and perspective of Aboriginal people today.

BIONOTE:

Elisabeth Jones has been at Arts Victoria for over 3 years and has worked in the arts industry for more than a decade. She has a sound understanding of arts management principles across sectors and is keen to see Victorian indigenous artists prosper.

Esmai Manahan is currently managing the Koori Business Network and is an experienced Koori Arts Development practitioner having worked in this field for many years. Esmai coordinated the recent and successful Aboriginal Arts Distribution project across Victoria.